scholarly journals Performance of the Front-of-Pack Nutrition Label Nutri-Score to Discriminate the Nutritional Quality of Foods Products: A Comparative Study across 8 European Countries

Nutrients ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (5) ◽  
pp. 1303 ◽  
Author(s):  
Louise Dréano-Trécant ◽  
Manon Egnell ◽  
Serge Hercberg ◽  
Pilar Galan ◽  
Juliette Soudon ◽  
...  

In Europe, discussions are currently ongoing to harmonize front-of-pack nutritional labelling, while some countries have adopted or are considering implementing the Nutri-Score. However, its adaptability to multiple nutritional contexts in Europe requires further investigation. This study aimed to evaluate the applicability of the Nutri-Score in various European countries, regarding its ability to discriminate the nutritional quality of foods and its consistency with national dietary recommendations. The European Food Information Resource (EUROFIR) nutritional composition databases from eight European countries (Finland, France, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Sweden, and Switzerland) were used. The distribution of foods across the Nutri-Score classes within food groups was assessed, as well as the discriminating performance of the label, and the adequacy of nutritional recommendations. The Nutri-Score demonstrated high discriminating ability for all food groups, with similar trends in the eight countries, and consistency with nutritional recommendations. For instance, fruit and vegetable products were mainly classified in the two healthiest Nutri-Score categories, while sugar and animal fat products were mainly classified in the two less healthy categories of the Nutri-Score. Our results support the fact that the Nutri-Score would be a relevant tool to discriminate the nutritional quality of products within and across relevant food groups in different European countries, with consistency with nutritional recommendations.

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 1711-1711
Author(s):  
Mavra Ahmed ◽  
Kacie Dickinson ◽  
Laura Vergeer ◽  
Christine Mulligan ◽  
Beatriz Franco-Arellano ◽  
...  

Abstract Objectives Nutrient profiling (NP) models, underpinning front-of-pack (FOP) labelling, can guide consumers towards healthier food choices and should be aligned with food-based dietary guidelines. In France, [the FSAm/HCSP NP model], underpinning the Nutri-Score (NS) FOP, ranks foods on both nutrients-to-limit (saturated fat, sodium, sugar) and nutrients-to-encourage (e.g., protein, fibre, fruits, vegetables, legumes and nuts) and was found to adequately align with dietary recommendations in Europe. However, investigations on the comparable ranking of foods by the FSAm/HCSP NP model with the new Canadian dietary guidelines is lacking. The objective was to assess the ability of the NS to discriminate the nutritional quality of foods and beverages in the Canadian food supply and their consistency with nutritional recommendations according to the Canada's 2019 Food Guidelines (CFG). Methods Using the University of Toronto Food Label Information Program 2017 database (n = 17,360), the nutritional scores for prepackaged foods and beverages were derived using the NS. These scores correspond to five grades of nutritional quality, ranging from green (A; highest quality) to red (E; lowest quality). Scores were assessed as binary where A/B were considered ‘in alignment’ with CFG recommendations while C/D/E were considered ‘not in alignment’. Results The NS system classified 21% of products as A, ranging from 99% of legumes to 0.45% of the sugars/sweets. The NS was able to discriminate the nutritional quality of foods within the same food groups (based on display of three grades represented within the Nutri-Score). Overall, there was 73% agreement between NS and CFG, ranging from 48% for combination dishes to 95% for eggs/egg substitute categories. The classification of foods according to the NS was consistent with the CFG; foods for which consumption is recommended were more favourably classified (e.g., 76% of vegetables were classified as A or B) than foods for which consumption should be limited (e.g., 79% of snacks were classified as C/D/E). Conclusions The NS FOP system is an effective tool to discriminate products across and within food categories. The classification of different food groups in the NS displayed a high consistency with the new Canadian dietary guidelines. Funding Sources Sanofi-Pasteur University of Toronto Université Paris-Descartes Collaborative Grant.


2016 ◽  
Vol 115 (11) ◽  
pp. 2017-2024 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. M. Gorgulho ◽  
G. K. Pot ◽  
F. M. Sarti ◽  
D. M. Marchioni

AbstractThis systematic review aimed to synthesise information on indices developed to evaluate nutritional quality of meals. A strategy for systematic search of the literature was developed using keywords related to assessment of meal quality. Databases searched included ScienceDirect, PubMed, Lilacs, SciELO, Scopus, Cochrane, Embase and Google Scholar. The literature search resulted in seven different meal quality indices. Each article was analysed in order to identify the following items: authors, country, year, study design, population characteristics, type of meal evaluated, dietary assessment method, characteristics evaluated (nutrients or food items), score range, index components, nutritional references, correlations performed, validation and relationship with an outcome (if existing). Two studies developed instruments to assess the quality of breakfast, three analysed lunch, one evaluated dinner and one was applied to all types of meals and snacks. All meal quality indices reviewed were based on the evaluation of presence or absence of food groups and relative contributions of nutrients, according to food-based guidelines or nutrient references, adapting the daily dietary recommendations to one specific meal. Most of the indices included three items as components for meal quality assessment: (I) total fat or some specific type of fat, (II) fruits and vegetables and (III) cereals or whole grains. This systematic review indicates aspects that need further research, particularly the numerous approaches to assessing meals considering different foods and nutrients, and the need for validation studies of meal indices.


2021 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Julie Perron ◽  
Sonia Pomerleau ◽  
Pierre Gagnon ◽  
Joséane Gilbert-Moreau ◽  
Simone Lemieux ◽  
...  

Abstract Objective: The Food Quality Observatory was created in the province of Quebec (Canada) in 2016. In this study, the Observatory aimed to generate a methodology to (1) test the use of sales data combined with nutrient values to characterise the nutritional composition of ready-to-eat (RTE) breakfast cereals offered and purchased in the province of Quebec (Canada) and (2) verify the extent to which a front-of-pack label based on the percentage of daily value (DV) for total sugar, as a strategy to improve the food supply, would be distributed in this food category. Design: Nutritional information were obtained by purchasing each RTE breakfast cereal available in the Greater Montreal area. Cereals were then classified according to their processing type. Setting: The nutritional values of 331 RTE breakfast cereals available in Quebec were merged with sales data covering the period between May 2016 and May 2017. A total of 306 products were successfully cross-referenced. Results: Granola and sweetened cereals were the most available (36·6 % and 19·6 %, respectively) and purchased (19·8 % and 40·9 % of sales, respectively). When compared with other types of cereals, granola cereals had a higher energy, fat, saturated fat, protein content and a lower Na content. A larger proportion of chocolate (65 %) and sweetened cereals (49 %) were above 15 % of the DV for sugar. Conclusions: This study showed that the methodology developed generates important data to monitor nutritional quality of the food supply and ultimately contribute to improve the nutritional quality of processed foods.


2007 ◽  
Vol 10 (7) ◽  
pp. 690-700 ◽  
Author(s):  
E Labouze ◽  
C Goffi ◽  
L Moulay ◽  
V Azaïs-Braesco

AbstractBackground/objectivesWith obesity and nutrition-related diseases rising, public health authorities have recently insisted nutritional quality be included when advertising and labelling food. The concept of nutritional quality is, however, difficult to define. In this paper we present an innovative, science-based nutrient profiling system, Nutrimap®, which quantifies nutritional assets and weaknesses of foods.MethodsThe position of a food is defined according to its nutritional composition, food category, the consumer's nutritional needs, consumption data and major public health objectives for nutrition. Amounts of each of 15 relevant nutrients (in 100 kcal) are scored according to their ability to ‘rebalance’ or ‘unbalance’ the supply in the whole diet, compared with current recommendations and intakes. These scores are weighted differently in different food categories according to the measured relevance of the category to a nutrient's supply. Positive (assets) and negative (weaknesses) scores are totalled separately.ResultsNutrimap®provides an overall estimate of the nutritional quality of same-category foods, enabling easy comparisons as exemplified for cereals and fruit/vegetables. Results are consistent with major nutritional recommendations and match classifications provided by other systems. Simulations for breakfasts show that Nutrimap®can help design meals of controlled nutritional value.ConclusionsCombining objective scientific bases with pragmatic concerns, Nutrimap®appears to be effective in comparing food items. Decision-makers can set their own limits within the Nutrimap®-defined assets and weaknesses of foods and reach categorisations consistent with their objectives – from regulatory purposes to consumer information or support for designing meals (catering) or new products (food industry).


2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Irene N. Kiura ◽  
Bernard M. Gichimu ◽  
Felix Rotich

Productivity of bulb onions (Allium cepa L.) is largely constrained by postharvest losses. There are several postharvest strategies applicable to onions, but they are mostly applied singularly and therefore their combined effects have not been well studied. This study was set out to evaluate the effects of harvesting stage, curing period, and time of topping on postharvest quality of stored red bulb onions. The study was carried out in Yatta Subcounty, Machakos County, Kenya. The experimental design was split-split plot laid out in a 3 × 3 × 2 factorial arrangement. The treatments consisted of harvesting stage (25%, 50%, and 75% top fall), curing period (none, 1 week, and 2 weeks after harvesting), and time of topping (before and after curing). All the treatments were replicated three times. After 3 months of storage, the bulbs were analyzed for proximate and nutritional composition. Bulbs that were harvested at 75% top fall and cured for one or two weeks before topping retained higher moisture content, bulb weight, crude protein, vitamin C, zinc, potassium, calcium, and iron but lower sodium content after three-month storage. These practices are therefore recommended for maintaining the nutritional quality of bulb onions after harvesting.


Author(s):  
Н. Р. Асадуллина

Formulation of the problem. The article reflects the assessment of the competitiveness of processed fruit and vegetable products, the qualitative characteristics of fruit and vegetable products are substantiated, as well as the parameters of the degree of consistency of expert opinions based on the calculation of the concordance coefficient. The purpose of the research is to reflect and characterize existing methods of integrated assessment of the competitiveness of processed fruit and vegetable products. The object of research – the process of determining the quality of products produced, as well as the competitiveness of processed fruit and vegetable products. The methods used in the research – logical, comparative, analytical, scientific and methodological. The hypothesis of the research is to assume the dependence of the competitiveness of processed fruit and vegetable products and its sales volumes. The statement of basic materials. The buyer prefers products depending on the purpose and use of this product. In the course of further processing, the buyer pays attention to the volume of packaging, the suitability of the packaging for the content of the product in it, the maximum time for the storage of products. The article suggests such indicators of quality of processed fruit and vegetable production: biochemical composition of products; packaging of products; design and design of products; appearance and consistency; terms of product suitability; cost of production per kilogram of production. The originality and practical significance of the research is that the author substantiates the degree of influence of the proposed indicators on competitiveness on the basis of expert assessments. The number of points is determined depending on the number of factors considered. The degree of consensus of expert opinions is established on the basis of calculating the coefficient of concordation. Conclusions of the research. In the process of packaging the product and its production must take into account the directions of its use. For further industrial consumption, processed fruit and vegetable products can be made with a higher content of dry soluble substances, vitamins, sugars, and acidity. This will save on the cost of packaging, transport costs, and handling operations.


2015 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Chantal Julia ◽  
Pauline Ducrot ◽  
Sandrine Péneau ◽  
Valérie Deschamps ◽  
Caroline Méjean ◽  
...  

2020 ◽  
Vol 79 (OCE2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Asha Kaur ◽  
Peter Scarborough ◽  
Mike Rayner

AbstractHealth-related claims (HRCs) are statements found on food packets that convey the nutritional quality of a food (nutrition claims) and/or its impact on a health outcome (health claims). Foods carrying HRCs have a slightly improved nutritional profile than foods without HRCs, however, it's unclear whether this translates into dietary improvements. We conducted a modelling study to measure the effect of HRCs on diet. As HRCs are already present on foods it is assumed that any impact that they have upon diet are already in effect. We modelled the impact on food purchases of removing HRCs, by assuming that the sales boost they receive is neutralised. These results can be inverted to estimate the current dietary impact of HRCs. Using the Living Costs Food (LCF) survey data, we calculate the average purchases and nutrient intake per person, per day. The LCF data is divided into sales of products with HRCs and sales of products without HRCs through solving mathematical equations combining LCF sales data with odds ratios from a meta-analysis examining the impact of HRCs on choices and data from a survey of foods examining the prevalence of HRCs and the nutritional quality of foods that carry them so that the sum of the sales of products with HRCs and without HRCs is equal to the total sales of products. Similarly, mathematical equations are solved that combine nutritional composition data with the sales of foods carrying and not carrying HRCs. In the baseline scenario foods carrying HRCs made-up 37% of the total purchases, and contributed 29% (559kcal) of the total kcals purchased (1907kcal). When HRCs are removed from foods there is an average increase of 18kcal/d (95% Uncertainty Intervals [UI] -15, 52), + 2g/d increase in total fat (95% UI -1, 4) and saturated fat (95% UI 1, 3), smaller changes are seen for protein (+ 0.5g/d, 95% UI -1, 2), total sugar (+ 0.5g/d, 95% UI -4, 7) and carbohydrate (-0.5g/d, 95% UI -5, 7). There is reduction in the amount of fruit (-11g/d, 95% UI -34, 26) but an increase in vegetables (+ 6g/d, 95% UI -6, 19). These results should be interpreted with caution due to the large uncertainty intervals. When HRCs are removed, we see a small deterioration in the quality of the average diet. If we invert these findings we can assume HRCs currently have a positive, albeit small, impact on diet.


2020 ◽  
Vol 23 (15) ◽  
pp. 2811-2818 ◽  
Author(s):  
M Dall’Asta ◽  
A Rosi ◽  
D Angelino ◽  
N Pellegrini ◽  
D Martini

AbstractObjective:The present study aimed at surveying the nutritional quality of prepacked biscuits and sweet snacks sold on the Italian market, and at identifying whether the product type and other information reported on the pack could discriminate the overall quality of products analysed.Design:Data on energy, nutrient and salt content of the products from two different categories of prepacked sweet cereal products (i.e. biscuits and sweet snacks) were collected from thirteen retailers present on the Italian market. Based on the product type, nutrition and health claim (NHC) and gluten-free (GF) declaration, a comparison of nutrient profile within each category was performed.Setting:This work is part of the Food Labelling of Italian Products (FLIP) study that aims at systematically investigating the overall quality of the prepacked foods sold on the Italian market.Results:A total of 1290 products were analysed (63 % biscuits and 37 % sweet snacks). After comparing different product types within each category, a high intra-type product variability was evidenced, which was more pronounced for biscuits. Overall, NHC-carrying products seemed to have a better nutrition profile than those without claims, except for salt content. Conversely, a comparison between GF and gluten-containing products did not show consistent results within the two categories analysed.Conclusions:Due to the high intra-type variability within each category, the different characteristics and regulated information reported on the pack do not seem to be a clear marker of the overall nutritional quality of biscuits and snacks.


2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 120
Author(s):  
Seema Sonkar ◽  
Shraddha Yadav ◽  
Rishi Bhel ◽  
O. P. Bishnoi

Triticale is a more recent development in the field of cereals, that is a man made cereals created by crossing wheat and rye, compared to oats and barley, which have long histories, triticale is between 40 and 50 years old. Triticale is hybrid of wheat (Triticum) and rye (Scale) first bread in laboratories during the late 19th century in Scotland and Germany. When crossing wheat and rye, wheat is used the female parent and rye is the male parent. The resulting hybrid is sterile and must be treated with colchicines to induce polyoidy and thus the ability to reproduce itself. High quality grain, conditioning products with desirable properties and nutritional value, determines the use of triticale for consumption. Therefore, more and more attention is paid in triticale breeding for its quality, to obtain highly yielding, but also technologically advantageous varieties. The aim of this research was to evaluate nutritional quality and sensory properties of triticale based product that are – Medicated Health Powder which are made from germinated grain triticale, wheat, pearl millet, Beet root ashwagandha, safed musli and steavia powder and Non– Medicated Health Powder which are made from germinated grain triticale, wheat, pearl millet, and steavia powder. The result of the nutritional analysis indicated that the nutritional composition of Medicated health powder are moisture -8.5, ash -2.20, protein- 6.59 and iron-1.82 gm. Non-Medicated health powder are moisture -8.7, ash -1.89, protein- 6.36 and iron-1.71 gm. Regarding sensory properties, these products were evaluated on sensory parameters using nine point hedonic rating scale. Sensory score for Medicated Health Powder for appearance 9.0, texture 8.4 color 8.2, flavor 8.0 and overall acceptability is 9.0. and Non-Medicated Health Powder for appearance 9.0, texture 8.8 color 8.4, flavor 8.8 and overall acceptability is 9.0. A sensory quality of products (Medicated health powder and Non- medicated health powder) was monitored during storage and was found stable for 3 months. Medicated and Non- medicated health powder health powder is recommended for diabetic patients and in cronic heart disease.


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